Helmet Stolen From Denver Broncos Returned, Citation Issued

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) – Investigators say they were confident they would find the helmet stolen from a Denver Broncos player during training camp, and two months later it is back at Broncos headquarters.

(credit: CBS)

The helmet was taken from an unnamed player who has since been cut from the team during a fan autograph session.

Police say Vincente Baros, 33, of Arvada, was caught on camera stealing the equipment. He then allegedly hid the helmet in a stroller as he left the facility.

A surveillance photo of the man police say was Vincente Baros. (credit: CBS)

After news of the theft got out, dozens of tipsters called Crime Stoppers saying they knew who the suspect was.

“There were more than 20 tips in the course of just a couple of days. It was really impressive, and it really helped us solve the case,” Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Audry LaCrone said.

Baros apparently was not surprised when deputies contacted him since he had seen his face on the news, but what was perhaps surprising was that Baros hadn’t sold the helmet for more than its original value. The helmet is valued at approximately $400 but it is likely worth much more on the secondary market for its authenticity.